Cross River Gas Explosion: Casualties Rise to 60 as Commissioner inspects Damage

 

The number of victims affected by the gas explosion that occurred in Calabar, Cross River State, on Saturday has risen to 60.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, made the disclosure during a visit to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where the victims are receiving treatment on Sunday.

It will be recalled that the State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, on Saturday, had reported the number of victims as 30 when he visited the scene of the incident.

The governor said the government would take care of the hospital bills of the victims.

Ayuk said his visit to the hospital was to assess the situation of the victims receiving medical attention.

“We arrived at the Accident and Emergency Department of UCTH, where about 60 victims of the gas explosion that occurred along Edibe Edibe, Calabar South, are receiving treatment,” he said.

He added that victims with minor burn injuries would be transferred to the General Hospital, Calabar, to ease pressure on the teaching hospital and ensure efficient care for all victims.

The commissioner was accompanied on the visit by the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Mr. Ekpeyong Akiba.

They were received by the Chief Medical Director of UCTH, Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, who provided updates on the condition and management of the victims.

The visit formed part of the state government’s coordinated response to the explosion, with health authorities working to ensure prompt and adequate treatment for all affected persons.

It will be recalled that a gas leakage at a gas plant led to an explosion that affected several other houses in the Edibe Edibe area of Calabar South, injuring many.